1 Amp Constant-Current, Low Dropout Driver (LDD(TM)) From Catalyst Semiconductor...

1 Amp Constant-Current, Low Dropout Driver (LDD(TM)) From Catalyst Semiconductor Targets High-Power LED Lighting Applications

CAT4101 Provides Simple Solution for Automotive, Architectural,
Landscape and General LED Lighting
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Catalyst Semiconductor, Inc. (NASDAQ:CATS) a supplier of analog,
mixed-signal and non-volatile memory semiconductors, has expanded its
line of constant-current, LDD(TM) (low dropout driver) products to
include a new, simple-to-use, high-power device for architectural,
landscape, automotive and general LED lighting products. The CAT4101
is a linear-based, constant-current LED driver, which drives long
strings of LEDs and provides a high-current solution for a wide range
LED applications.

Since it is a linear-based LED driver, the CAT4101 does not
require an inductor, eliminating noise, minimizing component count and
simplifying design. The LED current is set via an external resistor
connected to the RSET pin. The LED pin is compatible with
high-voltages up to 25V. This enables the CAT4101 to drive long
strings of up to 10 LEDs, adjustable to 1 amp. The device offers
high-speed, high-resolution PWM dimming, an "instant-on" PWM control
mode and thermal shutdown protection in the event of an
over-temperature fault condition. The CAT4101 is available in a
5-lead, TO-263 package to provide exceptional thermal dissipation.

Product Features

-- 1A current sink with high accuracy

-- Up to 25V operation on LED pin

-- Low dropout voltage drive 500mV/1A

-- LED current set by external resistor

-- High resolution PWM dimming via EN/PWM

-- Thermal shutdown protection

-- Packaging: 5-lead TO-263

Price and Availability

The CAT4101 constant-current, LDD is priced at $0.98 each in
10,000 piece quantities. CAT4101 samples and evaluation kits CAT4101
are available now. Projected lead-time for production quantities is
currently 6 to 8 weeks ARO.

About Catalyst Semiconductor

Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Catalyst Semiconductor
designs and markets analog, mixed-signal and non-volatile memory
products, including Digitally Programmable Potentiometers (DPP(TM)),
white and color LED drivers, DC/DC converters, LDO regulators, voltage
supervisors, bus expanders, serial and parallel EEPROMs, Flash and
NVRAM. Many of Catalyst's products incorporate the Company's Quantum
Charge Programmable(TM) technology, to deliver Adaptive Analog(TM)
products, which offer a new level of customer flexibility, lower power
and smaller die size. Catalyst products are used in
telecommunications, computer, automotive, industrial and consumer
markets. Typical applications include LCD displays, automotive
lighting, optical networks, printers, modems, wireless LANs, network
cards, DIMM modules, cellular telephones, navigation systems, set-top
boxes and Internet routers. www.catsemi.com.

Forward Looking Statements

There may be forward-looking statements in this press release,
which are subject to risks and uncertainties, including statements
about Catalyst Semiconductor's Low Dropout Driver (LDD(TM)) LED driver
products lead times and availability. A number of factors can affect
product availability and lead times. These include, but are not
limited to issues regarding the supply of materials or other
interruptions in our manufacturing processes, or those of our
foundries and other vendors; the cyclical nature of the semiconductor
industry; and variable market demand. More information about factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements is contained under the heading "Certain
Factors That May Affect the Company's Future Results of Operations"
listed from time-to-time in reports Catalyst files with the Securities
and Exchange Commission including, but not limited to, Catalyst's
Annual Report filed on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports filed on Form
10-Q. Catalyst disclaims any obligation to update information
contained in any forward-looking statement.

Editor Notes:

1) Trademark notices: Adaptive Analog(TM), DPP(TM), LDD(TM) and
Quantum Charge Programmable(TM) are trademarks of Catalyst
Semiconductor, Inc.

Catalyst Semiconductor, Inc.
Sherry Hill, 408-542-1080
sherry.hill@catsemi.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008